Abstract: Socket 1155 motherboards like the Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 which are built around it offer up a mainstream suite of capabilities and a kitchen sink full o'features. The board
supports 2nd Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 2xxx-series socket LGA1155
processors - these CPUs are based on the Intel 'SandyBridge'
architecture which includes an integrated graphics core on the CPU
die.88% Rating:

There are two ways
of configuring VIRTU. If the monitor is connected to the
motherboards graphics ports (ie. HDMI, DP, DVI-D) and a discrete videocard
is installed, VIRTU can virtualize the discreet videocard (i-Mode) when 3D games
are launched.

Conversely, if
the monitor is connected to a discrete videocard, VIRTU can virtualize the
CPU-IGP when required (d-Mode). All this is done on the fly without moving
monitor cables.

The key to Virtu is that it enables the
Intel HD 3000/2000 IGP to accelerate video transcoding tasks via Intel
QuickSync, or HD-BluRay streaming via Intel Insider, then when needed seamlessly switch to purpose bred
discreet videocards for 3D gaming (with DX11 and AA as the case
may be). PCSTATS tested with VIRTU
v1.1.101.16713 and found a negligible impact to 3D benchmark results with
it running; VIRTU is pretty simple to use and can be tasked to kick in
for specified applications. VIRTU works with
all Intel Z68 motherboards, but only if the board has onboard
video outputs.

Intel Smart
Response Technology

Intel Smart Response Technology is pretty interesting. In plain
language, what Intel SRT does is bring about like-SSD performance to operating
systems and applications installed on traditional mechanical SATA hard drives
by storing frequently accessed hard drive I/O data blocks on a dedicated SSD
drive. Frequently accessed data can be read much quicker from the SSD, so Windows 7 spends
less time waiting around.

Suffice to say, for computers with Windows 7/Vista
installed to a traditional mechanical hard drive, Intel SRT is an economical way
to speed up application load times and generally make recurring application data
much snappier. In general, Intel SRT will
fully kick in on the second and subsequent instances an application is used. The tool
doesn't work on systems already installed to an SSD, and really works best on the
boot disk/volume. For an in-depth look at Intel SRT please see this PCSTATS article.

Moving along, it's time for a 360-degree look
at the Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 motherboard!